Rhino’s gonna reissue expanded versions of Green Mind & Where You Been, on May 16, & a live J acoustic @ CBGB’s from 1993…

Billboard.com

February 28, 2006, 10:35 AM ET

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Rhino has set a May 16 release date for expanded reissues of Dinosaur Jr.’s first two major-label albums, 1991’s "Green Mind" and 1993’s "Where You Been," Billboard.com has learned. The same day, the label will also issue "Live at CBGB: The First Acoustic Show," chronicling a 1993 performance by vocalist/guitarist J Mascis at the legendary New York venue.

Having reached a new level of success with the 1988 album "Bug" and its single "Freak Scene," "Green Mind" ushered Dinosaur Jr. up from the indie rock ranks. The single "The Wagon" became the group’s first entry on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart, peaking at No. 22.

This new edition is expanded with the B-sides "Turnip Farm" and "Forget It," plus a cover of the Flying Burrito Brothers’ "Hot Burrito #2" with backing vocals by actor Matt Dillon

Dinosaur Jr.’s next album, "Where You Been," is its best-seller, having shifted more than 256,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The set spawned the enduring Modern Rock Hit "Start Choppin" (No. 4). It is expanded here with an unreleased live take on "Hide" recorded by late BBC Radio icon John Peel, an alternate version of "Keeblin’" and a 10-minute live rendition of "What Else Is New."

As for the acoustic album, 10 of its 12 tracks have never been released. Mascis runs through familiar cuts like "Thumb," "Flying Cloud" and "Get Me" while also digging into the band’s back catalog for early favorites like "Repulsion" and "Quest." The set will be limited to 5,000 copies and sold only at select independent music retailers.

After reuniting in 2005, Dinosaur Jr.’s original lineup (Mascis, bassist Lou Barlow, drummer Murph) will be back on the road this spring for a three-week tour that kicks off March 29 in Dallas.